Active head restraint systems for vehicle seats

ABSTRACT

Multiple vehicle seats are disclosed with active head restraint systems that receive an input force from an occupant during an impact by a torso support, which consequently actuates a linkage that translates a head restraint upward and forward to the head of the occupant. In one embodiment, the torso support has a translatable connection with the seatback frame and another translatable connection with the linkage. In another embodiment, a torso support is pivotally connected to a pair of links which are each pivotally connected to the frame. In yet another embodiment, the seatback frame includes a structural wire, which provides pivotal connections for two of the links of the linkage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to active head restraints for vehicle seats.

2. Background Art

Vehicle seats are provided with translatable head restraints fortranslating to an impact position in response to a force imparted to theseat by an occupant during an impact condition. Examples of vehicleseats having active head restraint systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 6,789,845 B2, which issued on Sep. 14, 2004, and U.S. Pat. No.6,955,397 B1, which issued on Oct. 18, 2005.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle seat inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle seat inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of another vehicle seatembodiment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front side elevation view of a top portion of anothervehicle seat embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another vehicle seat embodiment inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another vehicle seat embodiment inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further vehicle seat embodiment inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a lower portion of anothervehicle seat embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the portion of thevehicle seat of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of another portion of thevehicle seat of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of yet another vehicle seatembodiment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the vehicle seat of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of thevehicle seat of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side elevation view of an upper portion of yetanother vehicle seat embodiment in accordance with the presentinvention, illustrated during assembly of the vehicle seat; and

FIG. 15 is another enlarged side elevation view of the upper seatportion of FIG. 14, illustrated in another position during assembly ofthe vehicle seat.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefigures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for the claims and/or as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a vehicle seat is illustrated inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention and is referencedgenerally by numeral 20. The vehicle seat 20 includes a seat bottom 22secured to a floor of the associated vehicle for seating an occupantupon the seat bottom 22. A seatback 24 extends from the seat bottom 22and is secured relative to the seat bottom 22 for supporting the back ofthe occupant against the seat back 24. The seatback 24 is illustratedwith a cover, padding and trim removed therefrom. The seat 20 alsoincludes a head restraint 26 extending above the seatback 24 forsupporting the head of the occupant against the head restraint 26.

In one embodiment, the seatback 24 includes a frame 28 for providing thestructural support to the seatback 24. The seatback 24 provides torsosupport to an occupant by trim wires (not shown) beneath the padding(not shown) that are mounted to the frame 28. Additionally, torsosupport may be provided by an adjustable lumbar support 30 forsupporting a lumbar region of the occupant, while providingadjustability so that the occupant can select a desired level of comfortand support. The lumbar support 30 may be an input for an active headrestraint system 32. For example, the lumbar support 30 may be connectedto an actuatable mechanism, such as a linkage 34. Upon receipt of animpact to the lumbar support 30, such as the body of the occupant thatexceeds a predetermined force, the lumbar support 30 may actuate thelinkage 34. The output of the linkage 34 may be the head restraint 26,so that the head restraint 26 is translated forward and upward relativeto the seat back 24, as illustrated by an arcuate arrow in FIG. 1. Inanother embodiment, the back of the occupant is supported by a staticsuspension wire that is mounted to the linkage 34.

The output of the linkage 34 may include an armature 36 with an armaturecrossbar 38 that extends transversely across the frame 28. The armature36 is connected to the linkage 34 for translation relative to the frame28. In one embodiment, the head restraint 26 is supported by thearmature 36 and actuated by the linkage 34.

The lumbar support 30 is mounted to the frame 28 by a pair of ramps 40as is known in the art. The lumbar support 30 is also mounted to thelinkage 34. The ramps 40 are mounted to a lower cross member 42 of theframe 28. The ramps 40 each include a slot 44 formed through the ramp 40that is inclined in a rearward direction relative to the upright frame28. FIG. 1 illustrates a front of the vehicle seat 20 and therefore arearward direction would be towards a rear side of the seatback 24.

The lower end of the lumbar support 30 includes a transverse axle 46extending from lateral sides of the lumbar support 30. The axle 46extends through the slots 44 of the ramps 40 so that the lumbar support30 can pivot relative to the ramps 40. Also, the axle 46 can translatewithin the slots 44 so that the lumbar support 30 can slide generallyupward and rearward relative to the seatback 24.

The linkage 34 may be a four-bar mechanism, such as a four-bar linkmechanism as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1 or as disclosed inthe embodiments of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/538,485, whichwas filed on Oct. 4, 2006 and is incorporated in its entirety byreference herein. The linkage 34 includes a pair of lower links 48,which are each pivotally connected to the frame 28 by an aperture 50formed through the corresponding ramp 40. The apertures 50 provide apivotal connection to the lower links 48 at a generally rearwardorientation relative to the frame 28. A pair of coupler links 52 areeach pivotally connected to a lateral extension 54 of each lower link48. The coupler links 52 are each oriented at a lateral side of thelinkage 34 and extend upward within the seat frame 28. The coupler links52 may be formed from any suitable manufacturing method, such as acold-forming operation. Likewise, the coupler links 52 may be formedfrom any suitable material, such as stamped steel.

An upper end of each coupler link 52 is pivotally connected to an upperlink 56 at pivotal connection 58. The pivotal connection 58 may beprovided by fasteners, such as a bolt and nut. The upper links 56 areeach pivotally connected at a pivotal connection 60 to an upper regionof a side member 62 of the frame 28. The pivotal connection 60 of theupper links 56 may be provided by a fastener, such as a bolt, a rivet orthe like. The upper links 56 may also be formed from a cold-formingoperation, such as stamping steel, or any suitable manufacturing method.The links 48, 52, 58 and the frame 28 collectively provide a four-barmechanism, such as the four-bar linkage 34 for actuation of the activehead restraint mechanism 32.

For the embodiment illustrated, an extension spring 64 is connected atone end to an intermediate region of the corresponding side member 62.An upper end of the extension spring 64 is connected to the upper link56 for urging the linkage 34 to a design position, which is illustratedin FIG. 1.

The armature crossbar 38 extends laterally across the frame 28 and ispivotally connected with both upper links 56 for pivoting about an axis66, which is offset from the link provided linearly between the pivotalconnection 58 of the upper link 56 and the coupler link 52, and thepivotal connection 60 provided by the upper link 56 and the frame sidemembers 62. The armature crossbar 38 interconnects both lateral sides ofthe linkage 34 for uniform actuation.

A pair of upright tubes 68 extend from the armature crossbar 38 throughan upper cross member 70 of the frame 28. The tubes 68 receive a pair ofrods 72, which support the head restraint 26 above the seatback 24. Thetubes 68 may include a pair of stems 74 inserted into a distal end ofeach tube 68. A cap 76 may be oriented upon each stem 74 external of thecover of the seatback 24. One of the caps 76 may include a lockingmechanism 78 for permitting height adjustment of the head restraint 26relative to the seatback 24. The head restraint rods 72 each cooperatewith the upper cross member 70 for linear and angular translationrelative to the upper cross member 70 and to pivot about the armatureaxis 66 relative to the upper cross member 70.

The lumbar support 30 includes a surface 80 for supporting a lumbarregion of the back of the occupant. The lumbar surface 80 is providedupon a plate, mesh or any suitable material. The lumbar support 30 maybe adjustable for providing variable lumbar support to the occupant. Thelumbar surface 80 includes a series of lateral extensions 82 forproviding lateral lumbar support to the occupant. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, a pair of input links 84 are pivotally connectedto the coupler links 52 and pivotally connected to one of the extensions82 on each lateral side of the lumbar surface 80. Thus, the lumbarsupport 30 is pivotally connected to the linkage 34 due to the pivotalconnection through the input links 84.

During an impact condition, the seatback 24 may receive a force of theoccupant against the seatback 24. The head restraint mechanism 32actuates the head restraint 26 from the design position to an actuatedposition to orient the head restraint 26 higher relative to the seatback 24 and closer to the head of the occupant in order to providesupport to the head to minimize potential for injury to the occupant.The input force to the head restraint mechanism 32 is distributedthrough the lumbar support 30 as illustrated by the arrow F in FIG. 1.The input force F may be generated, for example, when the vehicle isimpacted by another object thereby accelerating the seat 20 into theoccupant. Such an impact condition may be generated from an impact, suchas a rear impact. Likewise, the impact condition may be generated from aforward impact wherein the occupant rebounds from a seat harness orother mechanism into the seat 20. As another example, the impact may becaused when the vehicle is traveling in reverse, which is typically alow speed. If the force F of the occupant exceeds a predetermined forceto overcome the bias of the extension spring 64, then the active headrestraint mechanism 32 actuates.

As the force F is transferred to the lumbar support 30, the axle 46translates within the slot 44 upward and rearward. Likewise, the lumbarsurface 80 translates upward and rearward and the impact force F isdistributed to the linkage 34 through the input links 84. The inputlinks 84 urge the coupler links 52 in a rearward direction of theseatback 24. This translation of the coupler links 52 causes the lowerlinks 48 to pivot about the ramps 40 to translate rotationally from thedesign position.

As the coupler links 52 are translated rearward relative to the seatback24, the coupler links 52 rotationally translate the upper links 56 dueto the pivotal connections 58. The upper links 56 pivot about thepivotal connections 60 with the side members 62 of the frame 28. As thecoupler links 52 translate rearward to the actuated position, the upperlinks 56 are driven to an actuated position as well.

As the upper links 56 pivot about pivotal connection 60, the armaturecrossbar 38 is also driven about the pivotal connection 60 such that thearmature crossbar 38 is driven rearward and upward relative to theseatback 24. As the armature 36 is driven, the armature 36 pivots aboutthe armature axis 66 such that the armature tubes 68 translate upwardand forward relative to the upper cross member 70 of the frame 28. Theupper cross member 70 also includes a pair of guides 86 each displacedabout one of the armature tubes 68 for guiding the translation of thetube 68. The guides 86 act as fulcrums, so that as the armature 36 isdriven rearward, the distal ends of the tubes 68 pivot as illustrated bythe arcuate arrow. Thus, the linkage 34 drives the head restraint upwardand forward in response to an impact condition.

The linkage 34 may be designed to self lock in the impact condition asdisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/538,485. Upon removalof an appropriate force F at the lumbar support 30, the extension spring64 may return the linkage 34 to the design position.

The input force F may be provided to the lumbar support 30 by force ofthe occupant at lumbar and pelvic regions. These forces may bedistributed to the input links 84 and consequently to the coupler links52. The pivotal connection of the input links 84 with the coupler links52 may be offset rearward from the pivotal connections of the couplerlink 52 at the lateral extension 54 of the lower link 48 and the pivotalconnection 58 with the upper link 56. This distribution of forcedirectly applies the force F to the coupler link 52 for an efficientforce input path. By providing the pivotal connection between the inputlinks 84 and the coupler links 52, the input force F is efficientlyutilized for translating the coupler links 52 generally rearward andupward, while minimizing lengthwise forces within the links of thelinkage 34, which may otherwise be provided by a rigid connection of thelumbar support 30 to the linkage 34. The input links 84 may be providedby any suitable material, including wire, cable or fabric. The couplerlinks 52 may include a reinforced width as illustrated for enhancing thestructural integrity of the coupler links 52 for receipt of the inputforce for actuating the linkage 34.

Referring now to FIG. 2, another seatback 90 embodiment for a vehicleseat 20 is illustrated. The seatback 90 is similar to the priorembodiment and similar or same elements are assigned the same referencenumerals, wherein new or alternative elements are assigned new referencenumerals. The seatback 90 includes a linkage 34 with a pair of linearcoupler links 92. A pair of lower input links 94 are each pivotally andslidably connected to one of the extensions 82 of the lumbar support 30and to the pivotal connection provided at the lateral extension 54 ofthe lower links 48. A pair of upper input links 96 are each providedpivotally and slidably connected to one of the extensions 82 of thelumbar support 30, which may be a common connection with the lower inputlink 94 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The other end of each of the upperinput links 96 is pivotally connected to the pivotal connection 58 ofthe coupler link 92 and the upper link 56. The triangulated arrangementof the input links 94, 96 permits utilization of a simple linear couplerlink 92 that is in compression only during the distribution of the inputforce F. Further, efficient distribution of the input force is appliedto multiple locations on the linkage 34 such that the lower link 48 andupper link 56 are simultaneously actuated with receipt of the inputforce. In another embodiment, the input links 94, 96 are mounted to theextensions 82 for pivoting relative to the extensions without lineartranslation of the links 94, 96 relative to the extensions 82.

The input links 94, 96 may be provided by any suitable material, such aswire, cable or fabric. The input links 94, 96 may be flexible, such as acable, so that the connection of the lumbar support 30 with the cable ofthe links 94, 96 can translate lengthwise along the cable therebyvarying the length, orientation and triangulation of the input links 94,96 during actuation of the linkage 34. Additionally, a large portion ofthe horizontal component of the input force F is translated directly tothe linkage 34 for the resulting actuation of the head restraint 26.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of another seatback embodiment 100, whichutilizes another connection of the lumbar support 30 to the linkage 34,which may provide the input for the linkage 34, or may be used incombination with the input links of the prior embodiments of FIGS. 1 and2. The lumbar support 30 includes a pair of upright wires 102, 104,which extend from a top portion of the lumbar support 30. The uprightwires 102, 104 each extend to an elevation approximate to the upper link56. At that point, each of the upright wires 102, 104 includes atransverse portion 106, 108, which extend across the seatback 100 andinto pivotal connection with the opposed upper link 56. The transverseportions 106, 108 overlap in an intermediate region of the seatback 100and are retained together by clips 110.

The upright wires 102, 104 provide inputs from the lumbar support 30 tothe linkage 34. Thus, the top region of the lumbar support 30 may travelin phase, or similarly in phase with the actuation of the coupler links92. The cooperation of the lumbar support 30 with the upper links 56enhances load transfer to ensure full actuation of the linkage 34 andconsequently the armature 36 and the head restraint 26. Additionally,the connection of the lumbar support 30 to the upper links 56facilitates receipt of the input force including the shoulder region ofthe occupant, and distribution of the input force to the linkage 34 atthe upper link 56 alone, or in combination with other inputs, such asthe inputs of the previous embodiments. Additionally, the elongatedtransverse portions 106, 108 of the upright wires 102, 104 permitdeformation of the wires 102, 104 for enhanced horizontal translation ofthe input force thereby providing flexibility and compliancy rather thana rigid connection of the upper region of the lumbar support 30.

FIG. 4 illustrates still another seatback 112 embodiment for utilizationwith the vehicle seat 20. Armature tubes 114 extend through the uppercross member 70 to an elevation substantially greater than that of theprior embodiments to thereby obviate the need for the stems 74. Theupright tubes 114 extend to a height generally equivalent to that of acover for the seatback 112. The caps 76 are mounted directly to theupright tubes 114 for receipt of the head restraint rods 72. One of thecaps 76 includes the locking mechanism 78 for cooperating with the headrestraint rods 72 and for permitting height adjustment of the headrestraint 26 relative to the seatback 112.

Another seatback 118 embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5. The lumbarsupport 30 of the seatback 118 has a unitary axle and input provided byinput wire 120. The input wire 120 has a lower transverse portion 122that is pivotally connected to the lumbar surface 80 of the lumbarsupport 30. The lower transverse portion 122 provides the axle for thelumbar support 30 and therefore extends through the slots 44 in theramps 40. The input wire 120 includes a pair of upright portions 124 atlateral ends of the lower transverse portion 122 that extend upward forengagement with the linkage 34. The input wire 120 includes a hoop 126at each end of the upright portions 124 to extend about thecorresponding coupler link 92. The input wire 120 also includes an uppertransverse portion 128 that interconnects the hoops 126 and extendsbehind the lumbar support 30 for supporting the lumbar support 30against the linkage 34.

As the seatback 118 absorbs the input force F, the force F isdistributed to the lumbar support 30, which translates rearward andupward as the lower transverse portion 122 extends rearward and upwardthrough the slots 44 and the ramps 40. The lumbar support 30 is urgedagainst the upper transverse portion 128, which distributes this forceto the coupler links 92 for actuating the linkage 34. As the lumbarsupport 30 moves upward relative to the coupler links 92, the hoops 126permit the input wire 120 to translate linearly about the coupler links92. Thus, the horizontal component of the input force is imparteddirectly into the linkage 34 while permitting upright translation of thelumbar support 30 relative to the coupler links 92 of the linkage 34.

Another seatback 132 embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6. The lumbarsupport 30 is pivotally mounted to an axle 134 that extends through theslots 44 in the ramps 40. A fabric input member 136 extends behind thelumbar surface 80 of the lumbar support 30 for supporting the lumbarsupport 30 against the linkage 34. The coupler links 92 each include ahooked tab 138. Each hooked tab 138 extends through a transverse portion140 of the fabric member 136. The tabs 138 are each mounted upon one ofthe coupler links 92 for supporting the transverse portion 140 andconsequently the lumbar support 30 against the coupler links 92. Thetransverse portion 140 is depicted extending behind an intermediateregion of the lumbar support 30 for receipt of the input force. Thefabric member 136 also includes a pair of upright portions 142, whicheach extend along a lateral side of the seatback 132 are each mountedupon a hook 144 provided on a distal end of the axle 134.

Similar to the prior embodiment, an input force F to the seatback 132translates the lumbar support 30 against the transverse portion 140 ofthe fabric member 136 for inputting the force to the coupler members 92of the linkage 34. As the lumbar support 30, axle 134 and fabric member136 translate rearward and upward, the tabs 138 slide upon the couplerlinks 92 for upright translation relative to the coupler links. Thus,the horizontal component of the input force F is efficiently transferredto the linkage 34 for actuation of the linkage 34 and consequentlyactuation of the headrest 26 to the actuated position. By utilizing thefabric member 136 instead of a unitary wire or input, compliancy isprovided to damp the resultant force imparted upon the occupant.

With reference now to FIG. 7, yet another seatback 148 embodiment isillustrated. Rather than utilizing a separate input member, the lumbarsupport 30 employs a lumbar surface 150 with a series of lateralextensions 152 for occupant support, and at least a pair of oversizedextensions 154, which extend across the seatback 148 for hooking to thecoupler links 92 of the linkage 34. During an impact condition whereinthe input force translates the lumbar support 30 rearward and upward,the input extensions 154 engage the coupler links 92 and distribute theinput force to the coupler links 92 thereby actuating the linkage 34 andconsequently the head restraint 26. Since the lumbar support 30 ispivotally supported by the axle 46 within the slots 44 for upward andrearward translation, the input extensions 154 engage the coupler links92 to translate along the coupler links 92 to permit the lumbar support30 to translate in an upright direction relative to the coupler links 92while distributing the horizontal component of the input forceefficiently into the linkage 34.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, another seatback 158 embodiment isillustrated, which may be utilized with prior embodiments. The lumbarsupport 30 is mounted upon the axle 46, which is received in the slots44 of the ramps 40. The ramps 40 may also be employed for mounting thelower link 48 to the lower cross member 42 of the seatback frame 28.Thus, the ramps 40 provide a modular arrangement, wherein a unitarylumbar ramp and pivotal connection for a linkage may be utilized formultiple seating applications by assembling the ramps 40 to variousseatback frames. For the embodiment illustrated, the ramps 40 aresecured to the lower cross member 42 by a snap-fit or interferencearrangement. Additionally, by incorporating the apertures 50 for thepivotal connections for the lower links 48 into the ramps 40, separatebearings or other pivotal connections are not required by the seatbackframe 28.

FIG. 9 illustrates the lower link 48 as a unitary link 160. The lowerlink 160 may be a cold-formed metal component, such as a metal wire orrod, stamping, a molded or cast component or any suitable manufacturedcomponent. By providing the unitary lower link 160, the lower links 48are each oriented at one of the lateral sides of the linkage 34 withinthe frame 28. The lower link 160 includes a transverse portion 162extending across the seatback 158 for interconnecting both lateral sidesof the linkage 34 for uniform actuation across linkage 34. Uprightmembers 164 extend from the transverse portions 162 and terminate inlateral extensions 54, which are pivotally connected to the coupler link52 as illustrated with greater detail in FIG. 10.

The unitary lower link 160 interconnects both lateral sides of thelinkage 34 and provides stability in the longitudinal and uprightdirections of the seatback 158. The unitary lower link 160 also helpscounteract transverse suspension input loads in a lateral direction ofthe seatback 158.

During fabrication of the lower link 160, the lower link 160 may beprovided as a straight metal wire, which is assembled with the ramps 40and subsequently bent to provide the distinct transverse portion 162,upright members 164 and the lateral extensions 54. Alternatively, thelower link 160 may be pivotally connected to the lower cross member 42instead of the ramps 40.

Referring now to FIG. 11, another seatback 168 embodiment isillustrated. The seatback 168 is depicted without the seatback frame 28for revealing components housed therein. The seatback 168 includes alumbar support 170, which is illustrated with a lumbar surface 172 (FIG.12) removed for depicting underlying components of the lumbar support170.

The lumbar support 170 includes a wire frame 174 that is pivotallyconnected to the axle 46, which extends through the slots 44 and theramps 40. The wire frame 174 includes a pair of upright wires 176, whichextend along the seatback 168 and extend through brackets 178 on thearmature 36. The brackets 178 may be formed integrally with the armaturetubes 68 to reduce components and obviate the requirement of a separatebracket mounted to the armature 36. The cooperation of the upright wires176 and the brackets 178 distribute some of the input force from thelumbar support 170 directly to the armature 36 for facilitatingactuation of the armature 36 and the linkage 34.

FIG. 11 also illustrates a lumbar adjustment mechanism 180 of the lumbarsupport 170. The lumbar adjustment mechanism 180 includes a lower link182 mounted to a lower portion of the lumbar surface 172. A lever 184has a fulcrum pivotally connected to the lower link 182. An extensionspring 186 is mounted to one end of the lower 184 and to a top portionof the lumbar surface 172. A cable sheath 188 is also mounted to a topportion of the lumbar surface 172 with a cable 190 extending through thesheath 188 and connected to the other end of the lever 184. Referringagain to a previous embodiment, such as the seatback 24 of FIG. 1, thecable sheath 188 extends to an actuator 192, which may be motor drivenor manual driven for actuating the cable 190 within the sheath 188. Byactuating the cable 190, the lever 184 pivots relative to the lower link182 thereby adjusting the tension of the extension spring 186 andextending the lumbar surface 172 forward or reward relative to theseatback 168 for adjusting the lumbar support.

The lumbar support 170 includes a pair of crosswires 194, 196 forproviding the input from the lumbar support 170 into the linkage 34. Theupper crosswire 194 extends across an intermediate region of the lumbarsupport 170. At lateral regions of the upper crosswire 194, a pair ofupright portions 198 extend downward within the seatback 168 andterminate into lateral extensions 200 that are each pivotally connectedwith one of a pair of lower links 202 of the linkage 34. The lower links202 can be formed from wires as well. The lower crosswire 196 extendstransversely behind the lumbar support 170 at an intermediate regionthat is below that of the upper crosswire 194. The lower crosswire 196also includes a pair of upright portions 204 that extend upward atlateral sides of the lumbar support 170. The upright portions 204terminate into lateral extensions 206, which are each pivotallyconnected with one of a pair of upper links 208 of the linkage 34. Thus,coupler links of prior embodiments are replaced by the crosswires 194,196 of the lumbar support 170 such that the lumbar support 170distributes the input force directly into the linkage 34. The uprightportions 198, 204 of the upper and lower crosswires 194, 196 extend overone another and can be fastened to one another in this region, bywelding or the like. Alternatively, the upper and lower crosswires maybe free to translate relative to one another to provide compliancywithin the linkage 34.

The lumbar support 170 receives an input force from the occupant duringan impact condition, which actuates the wire frame 174 to translateupward and rearward due to the axle 46 and ramps 40. The upright wires176 receive some of the input force at the lumbar and shoulder regionsand translate it directly to the armature 36. Additionally, the inputforce is distributed to the crosswires 194, 196 and subsequently to thelower links 202 and upper links 208 for overcoming the bias of extensionspring 64 and thereby actuating the armature 36 for translating the headrestraint 26 to the actuated position.

The seatback 168 includes a seat frame that is not illustrated. A backpanel 210 is mounted to a rear region of the seatback frame to close outthe rear of the seatback 168.

The frame 28 (FIG. 1) of the seatback 168 includes a pair of sidemembers 62 (FIG. 1) similar to prior embodiments. The side members 62(FIG. 1) include a pair of upright trim wires 212, 214. The trim wires212, 214 are mounted within the side members 62 (FIG. 1) of the frame 28(FIG. 1) of the seatback 168 for withstanding tensile loads of theseatback 168. To reduce the number of components provided within theseatback 168, the trim wires 212, 214 are also employed for providingpivotal connections between the linkage 34 and the seatback 168.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the trim wire 212 is illustrated with a lowerinboard lateral extension 216, which provides a pivotal connection withthe lower link 202. With reference to FIG. 13, the trim wire 214includes an upper lateral inboard extension 218, which provides apivotal connection for the upper link 208. Thus, the number of parts maybe reduced by utilizing the trim wires 212, 214 of the frame of theseatback 168 for providing pivotal connection for the lower and upperlinks 202, 208 of the linkage 34. Additionally, tensile forces that areapplied to the seatback 168 by the linkage 34 are imparted directly tothe trim wires 212, 214 as the trim wires 212, 214 provide a fixed linkwithin the linkage 34. Additionally, the linkage 34 may be assembledwithout the utilization of fastening tools or the like due to thesimplified employment of trim wires 212, 214 as pivotal connections. Byreducing the number of components, the costs and total mass of theseatback 168 can be thereby reduced.

FIG. 14 illustrates a top portion of another vehicle seatback 222embodiment in accordance with the present invention. The seatback 222embodiment is similar to prior embodiments and can be utilized alone orin combination with the prior embodiments. The seatback 222 includes aseatback frame 28 with an armature 36 for supporting a head restraint26. A linkage 34 is also mounted to the frame 28 for actuating thearmature and consequently the head restraint 26. As illustrated in FIG.14, the armature 36 includes an armature crossbar 38 pivotally connectedto a pair of upper links 224. The upper links 224 are each pivotallyconnected one of the side members 62 of the frame 28 at a pivotalconnection 60. Also illustrated is a coupler link 92 pivotally connectedto each upper link 224 at pivotal connection 58.

The seatback 222 includes a bracket 226 mounted to each side member 62.The bracket 226 includes a notch 228 for receiving one end of thecorresponding extension spring 64. The bracket notch 228 supports theend of the extension spring 64 prior to assembly of the spring to thelinkage 34. Accordingly, the bracket 226 permits the spring 64 to beretained in the seatback 222 during assembly of the linkage 34 with thespring 64 disconnected from the linkage 34. Thus, the linkage 34 can beassembled prior to application of a pre-load of the linkage 34 by thesprings 64. Once the linkage 34 is assembled, the springs 64 can beconnected to the linkage 34 to pre-load the linkage 34, therebymaintaining the linkage 34 in the design position until the bias of thesprings 64 is overcome by an input force.

In the depicted embodiment, the springs 64 are assembled to the linkage34 by actuation of the linkage 34. This feature simplifies assembly ofthe seatback 222 by minimizing difficulties associated with assemblingspring-loaded mechanisms. The linkage 34 may be actuated by a powerassisted actuator during manufacturing and assembly.

As the linkage is partially actuated, the coupler links 92 translaterearward thereby causing the upper links 224 to pivot about the pivotalconnections 60 to the position illustrated in FIG. 15. The upper links224 each include a guide 230 formed along an edge, that engages theupper end of the spring 64 as the upper link 224 pivots. The guide 230extends the extension spring 64 thereby disconnecting the extensionspring 64 from the notch 228 in the bracket 226. Once the spring 64 isdisconnected from the bracket 226, the spring 64 retracts, andconsequently, the upper end of the spring 64 translates along the guide230 until dropping into a notch 232 formed in the upper link 224.

Once the upper end of each spring 64 drops into the notch 232 of therespective upper link 224, the linkage 34 is assembled. At this point,the linkage 34 may return to the design position by release of thepower-assisted actuation. Upon release, the springs 64 urge the upperlinks 224 to return to the position in FIG. 14, thereby returning thelinkage 34 to the design position with the springs 64 assembled to theupper links 224 of the linkage, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 14.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described,it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe allpossible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in thespecification are words of description rather than limitation, and it isunderstood that various changes may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A vehicle seat comprising: a seatback frame for supporting a back ofan occupant, the seatback frame having a lower cross member extendingtransversely across the seatback frame, a pair of transversely spacedupright side members extending from the lower crossbar, and an uppercross member extending transversely across the side members; a headrestraint extending from the seatback frame upper cross member forsupporting a head of the occupant; a linkage operably connected to theseatback frame lower cross member, the seatback frame side members, andthe head restraint for actuating the head restraint to an actuatedposition; and a torso support having a translatable connection with theseatback frame, and another translatable connection with the linkage forsupporting a torso of the occupant, for receiving an input force fromthe occupant during an impact condition, and for distributing the inputforce to the linkage for actuating the linkage and consequentlyactuating the head restraint.
 2. The vehicle seat of claim 1 furthercomprising: a pair of transversely spaced first links each pivotallyconnected to the lower cross member; a pair of second links eachpivotally connected to one of the first links; a pair of third linkseach pivotally connected to one of the second links and one of the sidemembers; an armature pivotally connected to the pair of third links andconnected to the upper cross member for pivotal and linear translationrelative to the upper cross member so that the links drive the armatureat the pivotal connection with the third link so that the head restraintpivots forward relative to the seatback frame and translates upwardrelative to the seatback frame in the actuated position; an axleextending laterally from the torso support into a pair of slots withinthe lower cross member, the slots being inclined in a rearward directionrelative to the seatback frame so that upon receipt of the input force,the axle of the torso support translates rearward and upward relative tothe seatback frame; and a fabric member having a transverse portionextending behind an intermediate region of the torso support with asliding connection with one of the pair of second links and anothersliding connection with the other of the pair of second links fordistributing the input force to the second links and for translatinglinearly relative to the second links as the linkage is actuated, thefabric member having a pair of upright portions each extending from alateral end of the transverse portion to a pivotal connection with alateral end of the axle.
 3. The vehicle seat of claim 1 furthercomprising: a pair of transversely spaced ramps mounted to the lowercross member, each ramp having a slot inclined in a rearward directionrelative to the seatback frame and an aperture spaced apart from theslot; an axle extending laterally from the torso support into the pairof ramps slots so that the torso support translates rearward and upwardrelative to the seatback frame; a first link having a transverse portionextending through the ramp apertures for pivoting relative to the ramp,the first link having a pair of upright members extending from thetransverse portion; a pair of second links each pivotally connected to adistal end of one of the first link upright members; a pair of thirdlinks each pivotally connected to one of the second links and one of theside members; and an armature pivotally connected to the pair of thirdlinks and connected to the upper cross member for pivotal and lineartranslation relative to the upper cross member so that the links drivethe armature at the pivotal connection with the third link so that thehead restraint pivots forward relative to the seatback frame andtranslates upward relative to the seatback frame in the actuatedposition.
 4. The vehicle seat of claim 1 wherein the linkage furthercomprises: a first link pivotally connected to the lower cross member; asecond link pivotally connected to the first link; and a third linkpivotally connected to the second link and one of the side members. 5.The vehicle seat of claim 4 wherein the head restraint further comprisesan armature pivotally connected to the third link and connected to theupper cross member for pivotal and linear translation relative to theupper cross member so that the linkage drives the armature at thepivotal connection with the third link so that the head restraint pivotsforward relative to the seatback frame and translates upward relative tothe seatback frame in the actuated position.
 6. The vehicle seat ofclaim 5 further comprising: a pair of upright tubes each having a distalend extending from the armature to a top surface of the seatback; afirst cap mounted directly to the distal end of one of the uprighttubes; a second cap mounted directly to the distal end of the other ofthe upright tubes, the second cap having a locking mechanism within thecap; and a pair of rods each extending from the head restraint, throughone of the first and second caps and into one of the pair of uprighttubes, for extending the head restraint from the seatback and for heightadjustment relative to the second cap.
 7. The vehicle seat of claim 4wherein the translatable connection of the torso support with theseatback frame further comprises an axle extending from the torsosupport into a slot within the lower cross member, the slot beinginclined in a rearward direction relative to the seatback frame so thatupon receipt of the input force, the axle of the torso supporttranslates rearward and upward relative to the seatback frame.
 8. Thevehicle seat of claim 7 wherein the translatable connection of the torsosupport with the linkage is arranged so that the second link is incompression as the linkage is actuated.
 9. The vehicle seat of claim 7further comprising: a fourth link pivotally connected to the linkage atthe pivotal connection of the first link and the second link, andpivotally connected to the torso support; and a fifth link pivotallyconnected to the linkage at the pivotal connection of the second linkand the third link, and pivotally connected to the torso support;wherein the fourth and fifth links distribute the input force to thelinkage so that the second link is in compression as the linkage isactuated.
 10. The vehicle seat of claim 7 wherein the torso support ispivotally connected to the third link.
 11. The vehicle seat of claim 7further comprising an upright wire extending from the torso support andpivotally connected with the third link.
 12. The vehicle seat of claim 7wherein the torso support engages the second link to actuate the secondlink and to translate linearly upward relative to the second link as thelinkage is actuated.
 13. The vehicle seat of claim 7 wherein the axle isformed from a wire that extends to an intermediate region of the torsosupport for supporting the torso support, and the wire includes a hoopdisplaced about the second link to distribute the input force to thesecond link and to translate linearly relative to the second link as thelinkage is actuated.
 14. The vehicle seat of claim 7 wherein the torsosupport further comprises a series of lateral extensions for supportingthe torso of the occupant, wherein one of the extensions spans laterallyoutboard to contact the second link for distributing the input force tothe linkage.
 15. The vehicle seat of claim 7 wherein the translatableconnection of the torso support with the linkage further comprises afourth link pivotally connected to the torso support and pivotallyconnected to the second link.
 16. The vehicle seat of claim 15 whereinthe pivotal connection of the fourth link with the second link is offsetrearward from the second link pivotal connections with the first andthird links, and the second link has a reinforced width at the pivotalconnection with the fourth link.
 17. The vehicle seat of claim 1 furthercomprising: an extension spring mounted to the frame at one end and thelinkage at another end for maintaining the linkage in a first positionsuch that the input force must exceed a predetermined force to overcomethe spring and actuate the linkage; and a bracket mounted to the frameto receive the linkage end of the spring during assembly, such that aninitial actuation of the linkage disconnects the linkage end of thespring from the bracket and secures the linkage end of the spring to thelinkage.
 18. A vehicle seat comprising: a seatback frame for supportinga back of an occupant; a first link pivotally connected to the seatbackframe; a torso support pivotally connected to the first link forsupporting a torso of the occupant, and for receiving an input forcefrom the occupant during an impact condition; a second link pivotallyconnected to the seatback frame and the torso support, such that theinput force actuates the torso support, the first link and the secondlink; and a head restraint extending from the seatback frame forsupporting a head of the occupant, the head restraint being operablyconnected to one of the first link, the torso support, or the secondlink for being consequently actuated to an actuated position in responseto the input force.
 19. The vehicle seat of claim 18 wherein the firstlink further comprises a pair of transversely spaced first links eachpivotally connected to the seatback frame; wherein the second linkfurther comprises a pair of transversely spaced second links eachpivotally connected to the seatback frame; and wherein the torso supportfurther comprises a plate for supporting the torso of the occupant, afirst wire extending laterally from the plate and pivotally connectedwith the pair of first links, and a second wire extending laterally fromthe plate and pivotally connected with the pair of second links.
 20. Avehicle seat comprising: a seatback frame for supporting a back of anoccupant, the seatback frame including a structural wire having a firstdistal end and a second distal end spaced apart from the first distalend; a first link pivotally connected to the structural wire firstdistal end; a second link pivotally connected to the first link; a thirdlink pivotally connected to the second link and the structural wiresecond distal end; and a head restraint extending from the seatbackframe for supporting a head of the occupant, the head restraint beingoperably connected to one of the first, second and third links; whereinat least one of the first, second and third links receives an inputforce from the occupant in response to an impact condition forconsequently actuating the head restraint to an actuated position.